Anne d'Austrische, from 'The game of queens' (Le jeu des Reines renommées) 1644

This engraving of Anne of Austria is from a series called ‘The Game of Queens,’ made by Stefano della Bella around the mid-17th century. It’s a print, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. The linear quality you see results directly from the engraver’s hand. Look closely, and you can see how the artist carefully varied the depth and spacing of the lines to create the illusion of tone and shadow. It’s all done through the precise application of pressure and control of the burin. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training. But prints also served a crucial role in early modern society. They were a relatively inexpensive means of disseminating images and ideas widely. In this case, the artist is contributing to the construction of royal celebrity, offering the public a glimpse into the lives of powerful figures. Ultimately, though, the success of the image hinges on the engraver’s mastery of technique. This reminds us that even seemingly simple images can be the product of immense labor and expertise, and that printmaking has always been a potent tool for shaping public opinion.